School A-Z

Absence Procedure

For safety reasons the school requests parents and caregivers contact the school if your child is going to be absent.

Phone:(03) 541 8332

Text: 027 541 8021

Please telephone the school office before 9.00am every day of your child’s absence.

Email: Click here to fill in an Absentee Form online and email to us directly.

Absentees can emailed directly to the office through Skoolbag. (Smartphone App)

When providing the school with information regarding your child being absent, or leaving early on any particular day, please ensure these details are directed to the office (rather than to your child’s teacher) so that the information can be recorded in the absentee register. We will then ensure this information is passed on to the teacher.

Remember, children’s progress at school is assisted by regular, punctual attendance.

Arrival Times, School Hours, After School Play – School Grounds

School Hours

8.05am

First bus arrives

8.15am

Children from the village arrive

8.55am

School bell rung

9.00am

Morning roll call in class

10.10am - 10.30am

Morning tea interval

12.30pm - 1.20pm

Lunch interval

1.20pm

Afternoon roll call in class

2.55pm

School ends

3.05pm

First bus departs

3.35pm

Last bus departs

Arrival Times

Bus students will arrive from 8.05am. All students not arriving on buses should arrive at school after 8.15am.

Before the school bell rings at 8.55am children are expected to:

Have dropped any notices and payments in the ‘drop box’ at the school office, and on a Friday, have dropped their lunch orders in the box.

Hung up their bag in their classroom, placed any books and water bottles required for the day on their desk or table and be settled for the day.

After School Play and Arrangements

All children are expected to leave the school grounds and report in at home after school.

The school does not offer any supervision after 3.00pm, except for bus students waiting for their scheduled bus.

If your child is involved in an activity after school on our grounds, or in the village, please ensure they are supervised by an adult while waiting for their activity to start.

Yellow Lines

You will notice yellow lines painted on the ground near most entry/exit points to the school. These lines signify to children that they cannot cross this point without an adult. If you ask your children to wait outside the school grounds or by the swimming pool after school this would put them “out of bounds”, so please remember you will need to collect your child from inside the school grounds.

Out of School Hours (Evenings, Weekends and School Holidays)

We welcome the school grounds being used under adult supervision after school, on weekends and during school holidays. If you are aware of anyone not showing care and consideration to school amenities please contact the local police station (Ph. 541 8210) for intentional damage, or if the matter is not urgent you can leave a message on the school answerphone (Ph. 541 8332)

Children under 14 years old need to be supervised. Pre-schoolers need to be supervised at all times when playing on the playground structure.

Smoke Free School

Wakefield School is a totally smoke free school therefore the school site and all school activities are smoke free.

Assemblies

Whole school assembies are held every Friday at 9:05am in the school hall. Parent and caregivers are welcom to attend.

Whole School Celebration Assemblies are held every third Friday at 9.05am in the school hall. The focus of these assemblies is to celebrate student achievement. Dates for Celebration Assemblies can be found on the school calender. For any inquiries pleasae contact your child's teacher.

All school assemblies are ‘student led’. The children, with the assistance of the teachers, put a lot of hard work and energy into their assembly organisation. The children love having parents, caregivers and extended family come to watch their assembly. We therefore encourage lots of visitors, but do ask that people respect the presenters and performers by ensuring they keep audience and preschooler noise and distractions to a minimum.

Attendance

It is a legal responsibility for parents to ensure their children attend school whenever it is open for instruction. Family holidays and long weekends should be arranged during the school vacations. Children miss out on important learning opportunities and activities when they are absent. We do however acknowledge that there are times when your children will not be able to attend, particularly due to illness.

Wakefield School currently uses the following codes to record children’s absences for the Ministry of Education:

P - Present in class

L - Late – arrived after the school roll has been marked *see note below

M - Sick/Injured, unable to attend school

D - Doctor/Dentist appointment

Q - Attending a school trip/camp

A - Attending alternative education (One Day School, RDA)

O - Overseas

J - Justified Explained Absence

There are many occasions that fit into ‘Justified’ absence, some of these are; custody arrangements, sick relatives, funerals, arrival of new family members and relatives visiting from overseas. These are events that cannot be ‘planned for’ during weekends and term holidays.

G - Holiday During School Term

E - Unjustified but Explained Absence

T - Unjustified and Unexplained Absence/No Reason Given

Again there are many occasions that fit into ‘Unjustified’ absence, some of these are; family holidays and long weekends during term time, shopping and birthday events. These are events that should take place during weekends and term holidays. If you choose to take your child out of school for these activities it could be classed as ‘parental condoned truancy’.

Late Arrivals

Have you ever arrived at a meeting late, everyone is settled in their chair, the presenter has welcomed them and is now outlining what the day has in store.......and as you walk in they all turn and look at you? That is what it can be like for your child when they arrive late at school and their class is all settled. So please, we ask parents to ensure their children arrive at school with at least five minutes to spare, for them to organise themselves by hanging up their school bag and sorting their book bag independently.

Banking

Wakefield School participates in a school banking programme with Westpac Bank. To open a bank account for your child please feel free to collect a ‘banking kit’ from the school office or visit Westpac in Queen Street Richmond.Each Tuesday children bring the completed deposit form and money in the plastic bank bag to school and put it in the ‘drop box’ at the office. The bank book/bag is returned the following day.

Behaviour Management

At Wakefield School we aim to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all children.

We expect high standards of behaviour from our students and are proud of our positive and supportive school culture. We have established a set of common values that are actively encouraged, modelled and developed throughout the school. These values, along with a few explicitly stated rules, provide the basis of our school wide expectations.

We have also developed agreed principles and procedures for managing behaviour. These focus on promoting positive choices while dealing with issues in a consistent and transparent manner. Parents will be immediately informed of emerging trends, unacceptable behaviour or following a serious incident.

Children are empowered with strategies for dealing with conflict and senior students are trained and rostered as mediators to support their peers through a mediation process.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees comprises five parent representatives elected by parents of the school, a staff representative elected by the staff, and the principal. The board is elected every three years to undertake the governance of the school. The current board was elected in April 2013.

Clothing

All articles of clothing must be clearly named. When unmarked clothing is found it is placed in the “Lost Property” box in the school hall. The lost property is laid out for students to view, and hopefully claim, before the end of each term. Parents are invited, and encouraged, to check the lost property at any time during the term. Any unclaimed property is sent to charitable organisations at the end of each term.

Concerns and Complaints

Parents and teachers have the same goal – the best possible education for the children. However, differences in approach and in ways of attaining these goals, can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretation. Regular and congenial discussions between parents and teachers are extremely valuable. If at any time you have a concern about a school issue we encourage you to follow the established procedures the school has in place.

These procedures are outlined below:

Concerns

If you have a concern we encourage you to arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher. If for any reason you are uncomfortable talking to the teacher please feel free to contact the office to arrange to meet with one of the Deputy Principals.

If the initial meeting does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, we invite you to contact the office to arrange an appointment with the Principal.

Complaints

If, after following these procedures, the concern has not been dealt with to your satisfaction, you should detail the matter in writing to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees who is obliged to follow up the situation with the school management team.

Curriculum

Key Competencies

The Key Competencies are the key to learning and are relevant to all learning areas. The following statements are referred to and discussed in classrooms to clarify what they mean to students. Students set goals based on the areas of the Key Competencies relevant to their learning and set criteria with help from their teacher to support them in achieving their goals.

Managing Self means I...

have a can-do attitude

make realistic plans and goals

know what to do when faced with challenges

make good choices, act appropriately

know my strengths and weaknesses

do my best and have high standards for myself

Participating and Contributing means I...

take part and get actively involved

share and accept ideas

include others

make connections with others

Thinking means I...

can identify a need or problem and try to solve it

identify options and decide which is best

make connections to what I already know

research to find out more

ask good questions

reflect on my learning

Relating to Others means I...

co-operate, negotiate and compromise

actively listen

recognise and accept different points of view

am sensitive and caring towards others

Using Language, Symbol and Text means I...

express my ideas through speaking, writing and images

understand the ideas of others when they tell me, write them down or show me a diagram or pictures

use the language and symbols that go with different learning areas such as maths, science or technology

While the learning areas are presented as distinct, at Wakefield School we make use of the natural connections that exist between learning areas, and that these learning areas link to the values and key competencies.

English

In English our students will learn about English as a language and its literature.

Students are supported in making meaning through listening, reading and viewing. They are taught to create meaning through speaking, writing and presenting.

In reading students learn to decode and to use a range of strategies to comprehend what they have read. We aim to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of reading. Initially, students learn to read; increasingly they read to learn.

In writing students learn to write in different genres, for different purposes and different audiences. They are taught about the ‘deeper features’ of writing: impact, voice, ideas, structure, sentences, vocabulary and language features. Students are also taught the surface features - the ‘technical’ skills of writing: spelling, grammar, punctuation, handwriting and presentation.

At Wakefield School, reading and writing are taught in their own right, but are also integrated with the rest of the curriculum.

Learning Languages

Te Reo Maori is an official language of our country and students learn to speak and understand words and simple phrases. Students build on their understanding of Maori culture and tikanga and kawa and through that develop a positive and open-minded attitude to all things Maori.

French is also offered to a small number of students as an extension subject. This provides the challenge of learning to communicate and comprehend in another language. Such language learning also builds on awareness of different cultures and students’ understanding of their own identity.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time. Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. These concepts are presented in the curriculum as three strands, number and algebra, geometry and measurement, and statistics. All strands are introduced from the time a child starts school and are revisited and built upon throughout their schooling. Certain aspects of these strands will be introduced at higher levels of the school to allow emphasis to be given to the core learning in each of these areas.

The focus of our teaching across the school is weighted towards number and algebra as this provides the foundation for wider learning in mathematics and statistics. The proportion of time spent on this strand decreases as students move up through the school to reflect the following guidelines.

Years 1-2 (80%)

Years 3-4 (70%)

Years 5-6 (60%)

The Numeracy Project is a key resource used by our school to deliver the number and algebra strand of the curriculum. This resource makes a distinction between strategy and knowledge and provides both with a framework and an 8 stage progression. Number strategies are the mental processes that students use to estimate answers and solve problems within the operational domains of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and proportions and ratios. Initially strategies are based on counting and progress on to include partitioning, rounding and reversing of numbers to make them easier to manipulate. The knowledge framework describes the key items of knowledge that students need to learn. This is categorised under four content domains: number identification, number sequence and order, grouping/place value, and basic facts. It’s important that students make progress in both sections of the framework. Strong knowledge is essential for students to broaden their strategies across a full range of numbers, and knowledge is often an essential prerequisite for the development of more advanced strategies.

Science

In science our students will investigate, understand and explain our natural and physical world and the wider universe. They will learn that science involves generating, testing ideas and gathering evidence (making a hypothesis, making observations, fair testing, carrying out investigations) and communicating with others. They will use their current science knowledge to problem solve and make informed scientific decisions.

Technology

At Wakefield School students learn practical skills as they develop models, products and systems to solve problems. Technology is associated with the transformations of energy, information and materials in varied contexts. At Wakefield School the practice, knowledge and nature of technology may be studied in conjunction with other areas of learning, especially, mathematics, science and the arts.

Social Sciences

Students will learn how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens. Contexts are drawn from the past, present and future and from places within and beyond New Zealand. As they explore how others see themselves students will clarify their own identities in relation to their particular heritages and contexts.

The Arts

Students express and interpret creative ideas across all cultures through movement, sound and images.

Health and Physical Education

Health and Physical Education is special because the key areas of learning are integrated with four underlying interdependent concepts; hauora, attitudes and values, socio-ecological perspective and health promotion. It encompasses three different but related subjects: health education, physical education, and home economics.

Doctors/Hospital/Specialists Visits

If your child has an appointment during the school day please ensure you advise the office when you come to school to collect your child. If they are returning during the school day please drop by the office to let us know they are back in class.

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

In line with Ministry of Education guidelines Wakefield School has policies and procedures on 'Education Outside the Classroom' (EOTC). The school uses a process to identify and manage risks at every level of activity and this process is monitored by the board and the principal. We recognise three levels of activities, according to their associated risk, each with specific requirements regarding parental/caregiver consent.

On enrolment a blanket consent from parents is provided for all level 1 and 2 activities as their risk level is considered low, meaning that the risks are seen as comparable to a child's typical day. While there is a low risk, we will continue to work proactively to identify and manage these to minimise or prevent them from occuring. Parents and caregivers will be informed by newsletter or email prior to any level 2 activities but will not be required to return a permission slip. If you are concerned about the reliability of your child bringing newsletters home please ensure an email address is provided to the office.

For all level 3 activities a permission slip and any additional forms will be sent home with your child.

Emergencies

All parents and caregivers are asked to provide alternative contact numbers in case of an emergency. It is in your child's interest that we know how to contact you or someone nominated by you at short notice. Please keep the school informed of all your telephone numbers. If you or your nominated 'emergency contact' cannot be reached we will take action as we feel appropriate.

Enrolment at Wakefield School

New Entrant Enrolment

You can inform the school at any time of your intention to enrol your child at Wakefield School, however before your child’s 3rd birthday is ideal.

Wakefield School will send out an enrolment pack to you a month before your child’s 5th birthday. This enrolment pack will include the following:

• Enrolment Form.• Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) Form.• Education Outside the Classroom Permissions Form (EOTC).• Cyber Safety and Permission to Publish Work Form.• Letter advising of visit times and the name of the teacher and number of the classroom your child will be entering.

Any foreign student entering New Zealand and wishing to enrol at Wakefield School must supply verification documents. These may include a valid student visa/permit or parent’s passport with a valid work permit.

First Aid & Health Treatment for Children

First Aid

Every reasonable precaution is exercised to ensure accidents do not happen. Unfortunately, as is the case in the home environment, there are occasions where children injure themselves. Minor injuries receive first-aid treatment from the teacher on duty, or the administration staff. In all cases of serious injury the parent is notified immediately and the necessary medical attention is sought from the local health centre or the appropriate emergency service.

All parents and caregivers are asked to provide alternative contact numbers in case of an emergency. It is in your child’s interest that we know how to contact you or someone nominated by you at short notice. Please keep the school informed of all your telephone numbers.

Medical Consents

If your child is required to take prescription medicine during school hours please complete the ‘Medication Consent' form at the office, or download a copy here, and supply the medicine to be administered. The school will store the medicine safely and record each dosage given.

Public Health Nurse Service

Tricia Colling is based at Wakefield Health Centre & is available Monday – Thursday to offer advice & support to staff & parents for any health concerns regarding students. This is a confidential and free service for Wakefield School offering:

Advocacy for children and their families

Health advice and assistance

Referral to Health Camp, Community Agencies and Health Professionals

Health education resources

Vaccination programmes

To view the Public Health Nurses and Public Health Service brochure please click here.

Gallery

Home and School Communication

We like to keep our school community fully informed about what is happening at school.

Some of the ways we do this are:

School Newsletter

Each fortnight, or as needed, the school produces a newsletter for parents and caregivers. All parents who have provided an email address to the school will receive an email with a ‘newsletter link’ each fortnight. For families who do not have an email address a paper copy will be sent home with the eldest child in the family. The school newsletter is an important way in which the school informs its community. It is important to keep abreast of school happenings.

Assemblies

Whole school asssemblies are held every Friday at 9:05am in the school hall. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Whole School Celebration Assemblies are held every third Friday at 9.05am in the school hall. The focus of these assemblies is to celebrate student achievement. Dates for Celebration Assemblies can be found on the school calender. For any inquiries please contact your child's teacher.

All school assemblies are ‘student led’. The children, with the assistance of the teachers, put a lot of hard work and energy into their assembly organisation. The children love having parents, caregivers and extended family come to watch their assembly. We therefore encourage lots of visitors, but do ask that people respect the presenters and performers by ensuring they keep audience and preschooler noise and distractions to a minimum.

Informal Contact

If you have any queries about your child’s progress, school programme, well-being or other matters at school it is important to raise them with your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Unfortunately the time before school is very busy for a teacher as it is an important time for classroom preparation and for them to say a quick hello to the children and parents. If you wish to talk with your child’s teacher we encourage you to email them directly (see staff contact details), or to phone the office and arrange a time to speak with the teacher uninterrupted.

Participation

If you have a talent or interest to share, please contact the school. Your participation in all aspects of school life is welcomed. At the beginning of each year a notice is sent home inviting parents to help with school and classroom activities. The school appreciates the assistance parents give in many various forms; parent help, sports coaches/managers, library work, working bees, school trips, swimming sports, typing, fundraising events, Board of Trustees events.

Parent Information Evenings

From time to time you will be invited to attend an information event to discuss a new inititive or programme. Please take advantage of these opportunities to contribute to your child's schooling.

Parent Focus Groups

From time to time the principal or other staff may seek input from parents into a new initiative or proposed change by way of a parent focus group. Please take advantage of these opportunities to contribute to the school's planning and improvement process.

Parent Education Opportunities

Throughout the year we will create opportunities for you to improve your support of your child's learning. These may include the Reading Together programme to support good reading practice with your child, computer and internet skills and mathematics support. Please look out for these invitations and make use of them. Tell us if there is an area of parent education you would like support with and we will attempt to meet your needs.

Questionnaires and Surveys

This form of communication is used to gauge community opinion. Please respond if you want your opinion considered.

Reporting Process

Meet the Teacher Evenings

During the first term of each school year we hold an informal ‘Meet the Teacher Evening’. This is an opportunity to meet the teachers and find out about school and classroom expectations.

Reporting / Parent Teacher Interviews

The following information outlines the “reporting” timeline at Wakefield School.

Reporting for Students First Three Years of Schooling

New entrant students will receive a report and an opportunity for an interview after six weeks at school. This is an early opportunity for feedback on the way in which your child has settled into school and how you can support him/her at home.

Students will receive a written report after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months at school. These reports will show achievement against National Standards, `Next Steps Learning’ and `How You Can Help at Home’. If your child’s 36 months at school falls in their Yr 4 year, they will be reported on against the Yr 4 National Standard at the end of the year and not after 36 months.

Students will also receive a written report after 6 months, 18 months and 30 months at school, showing progress towards National Standards for their year group.

There will be an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student achievement and progress following all written reports. These interviews will be advertised in the school newsletter and via email.

In Term 1 all parents will have an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student progress, even if there has been no written report. Students will receive 2 reports during the year in either Terms 1 and 3, or 2 and 4.

Reporting for Students In Years 4 - 6

Part 1: Parent Teacher Information Sharing (Term 1)Parent Teacher interviews are held in Term 1. Teachers and parents share information about student’s achievement. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.

Part 2: Report and Parent/Teacher/Student Conference (Term 2)All pupils will receive a report that shows student achievement, next step learning and ideas on how you can help your child at home. This midyear report is based on progress towards the National Standards. There is an opportunity of a Parent/Teacher/Student Conference following this report home, and again parents and students are expected to attend.

Part 3: Report and Optional Parent/Teacher/Student Conference (Term 4)All pupils will receive a report that contains student achievement against the National Standards.

Interviews for All Students

Parents are notified of reporting and interview times by newsletter and email. An online electronic booking system is used for booking interview appointments. Of course it is always possible for parents to make an appointment and to discuss student progress at any time throughout the year.

Parent/Teacher communication is vital in your child’s progress through school. We value this Home/School Partnership.

School Gatherings

Sporting, cultural and school trip activities are regular events and are a good way to become involved in your child’s education. All information on upcoming events is available through the school newsletter and on this website.

School Website

We endeavour to keep our website up to date with news and information.

Separated Parents

A separation is an awkward time for all the people concerned. Often one of the major breakdowns is around communication. It’s just too painful or stressful to have that contact and yet you are both still joint guardians of your children. We encourage both parents to continue to have contact with the school and be part of their child's education. Through the school website parents are able to access all newsletters, class and syndicate notices and parent teacher interview information. By emailing the child’s teacher directly a copy of the child’s report can be requested. We encourage any parent or guardian 'not living in the home' to regularly visit the website to view this information.

Home Practice

Practice (or overlearning) is an extension of the school programme and plays a crucial role in the retention of new skills and knowledge. At Wakefield School, the expectation is that students practise certain aspects of their learning at home. To be effective, practice needs to be little and often and at the appropriate level for your child.

High frequency words for reading – in the early stages of reading (1 - 2 minutes a day, 5 times a week)

Spelling (3 minutes a day, 5 times a week)

Maths basic facts (3 minutes a day, 5 times a week)

Teachers will provide clear information regarding the level at which your child needs to be practising. There are many different ways in which you can help your child – by turning the practice into a quick game, by using a website, by writing down or by practising orally. Do ask your child’s teacher if you need new ideas.

Occasionally students may also be asked to gather information at home for use in class.

Home Reading Practice

Your child should always have a book that they are reading. On some days your child will bring home their reading group book. Children also choose books that they can already read from their group reading box. Some books may come home several times. This reinforces children’s confidence and developing skills. During the early stages of learning to read your child may rely on their memory of the story, or the pictures for reading. As their skills develop this should play a lesser role in their reading.

School library books may also be used for reading practice if the text is at an appropriate level. This is particularly the case for the children who have moved onto chapter books – our school library provides a broad selection of quality children’s books.

General Guidelines for Reading with your Child

Make a regular time to enjoy reading together for 10 - 15 minutes a day at least five times a week.

Sit side by side and let your child hold the book.

Choose a time when your child is not going to be hungry or keen to do something else.

Keep this time as peaceful, quiet and interruption-free as possible.

Be patient - give your child time to work out a word, if they can’t work it out then tell them.

Praise your child for their efforts.

Ask questions and talk about what they have read.

Complete the reading log every time that you read together.

Replace the reading log and books in the book bag and return to school each day.

If you have any concerns, talk to your child’s teacher.

Remember:

Make use of your local library.

Let your child see you as a reader too.

Continue to read to your child.

Oral language skills underpin a child’s reading and writing development – time to talk together is crucial in supporting your child’s learning.

Helping Your Children at Home

Talk positively to your child about school. This helps your child feel good about him/herself and about the environment where he/she spends most of their day.Your child will bring home a number of things each day. These may include books, completed work, reading folder or artwork. This is all sent home for a reason—to help you understand what your child is doing each day to talk about these things and where appropriate:

Read your child lots of stories, encourage sharing books

Listen to your child read

Encourage writing, drawing, making things, and colouring in at home

Talk about and display child’s artwork

Focus on your child’s progress, rather than comparing with others, as all children develop at different rates.

Please don’t just ignore or throw out your child’s efforts. Children so often look forward to taking things home to be admired. You will probably find it easier, quicker and more enjoyable to stop your chores and spend this short time with your child and it will prove valuable in helping with their progress.

Library

Lost Property & Named Clothing

All articles of clothing must be clearly named. When unmarked clothing is found it is placed in the “Lost Property” box in the school hall. The lost property is laid out for students to view, and hopefully claim, before the end of each term. Parents are invited, and encouraged, to check the lost property at any time during the term. Any unclaimed property is sent to charitable organisations at the end of each term.

Please remember to name lunch boxes, footwear, handkerchiefs and underclothing. Named clothing can easily be returned.

Newsletters

Online Banking

The school now has systems in place to receive online banking payments from parents. Payments can be accepted for any school activity, but please note; the payment needs to be made at least 2 working days prior to the due date to ensure we receive it in our bank account before the activity/trip. Sorry, we cannot accept online payments for school lunch orders, or the school photos, or Scholastic Book Club.

If you wish to make a payment online we do ask that in the reference details you include:* Your child's name and surname* Reason for payment, e.g. Cricket, Show Tickets

Account Number: 030751 0225833-00

(Please remember to return any permission slip or transport notice to the school office).

Oral Health

Parent Teacher Associaton - PTA

The Wakefield School PTA Committee are a group of parents who provide an important link between the school and parents, by coordinating fundraising and social activities.

For further information please visit the PTA page under 'Our School'.

Payments & Return Slips

All payments and return slips should be placed in the ‘drop box’ in the school office. As all returns go into the one box all money sent to school must be enclosed in a sealed bag or envelope with the return slip and your child’s name, teaching team and what it is for written on the outside of the envelope or bag. The office will distribute these returns to the teacher or appropriate person.

The school now has systems in place to receive online banking payments from parents. Payments can be accepted for any school activity, but please note; the payment needs to be made at least 2 working days prior to the due date to ensure we receive it in our bank account before the activity/trip. Sorry, we cannot accept online payments for lunches, or the school photos or Scholastic Book Club.

If you wish to make a payment online we do ask that in the reference details you include:* Your child‟s name and surname* Reason for payment, e.g. Cricket, Show Tickets

Account Number: 030751 0225833-00

(Please remember to return any permission slip or transport notice to the school office).

We also have an Eftpos facility for any purchases, stationary, school activities, sporting fees and payment of the school donation, unfortunately we cannot accept eftpos payment for school lunches. The eftpos machine also has a credit facility so you can pay by credit card.

PDF Downloads

To view Adobe PDF Files, you need to have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. If you do not have the reader you can download it by clicking here.

Religious Instruction

Religious Instruction is conducted at Wakefield School in accordance with the Education Act 1964 and the Wakefield School Board of Trustees policy. Paul Milson and his team from the Hope Community Church hold a 'Remix' session each Wednesday morning from 9.00am - 9.30am in the school hall during Terms 2 & 3. Children in Years 4 - 6 participate. If you do not wish for your child to participate you are welcome to withdraw your child by sending a written note to the office or by emailing us admin@wakefield.school.nz . Children who do not participate will be supervised in a classroom or the library by a teacher during the Remix session.

Road Safety

In 2008 Wakefield School formed a ‘working party’ to participate in a joint project between the school and the Tasman District Council to introduce a ‘School Travel Plan’. The main purpose of this Travel Plan was to encourage more children to walk, scoot or bike to school through eliminating safety concerns identified by parents and school, through the consultation process. As part of this plan the school has clear guidelines and rules surrounding road safety for our students.

On all occasions common sense and regard for the well-being of your children will prevail. We regard the co-operation of the home and school as essential. Do not hesitate to approach your child’s teacher or the school office for help or information. As a general guideline all children should use the most direct route when travelling to school.

Road Safety Education at School

Every day children and young people may find themselves in hazardous traffic situations. Road safety education prepares them to become safer road users.

This Road Map Booklet is deisgned to be a handy reference guide in 3 parts:Part 1: A list of developmentally appropriate expectations for children when on or near roads and an outline of safe behaviours Part 2: Outlines for Road Safety Outcomes for children in all age groups - there is at least one case study for each age groupPart 3: A list of resources

Please take time to read through the booklet.

Kea Crossing

All children crossing Edward Street are required to cross at the Kea Crossing. This road crossing is operated each morning and afternoon by trained senior student road patrol monitors, with support from school staff members. Times are: 8.35am to 8.55am and 3.00pm – 3.10pm, or until the main ‘wave’ have left the school.

1) The monitors call is “CHECK” then the opposite monitor calls “CLEAR” before the original monitor calls “CROSS”.

CHECK – CLEAR – CROSS

2) Parents using the crossing are asked to support and encourage the monitors by only crossing on the “CROSS” call and making positive remarks.

Cycling to School

The following procedures have arisen through the travel plan:

1) Children may ride to school alone from the start of the term in which they turn 10 years old (this is in line with recommendations from the NZ Police Road Safety Section).

2) Children may otherwise only cycle to school if they are under the direct supervision of their parent.

3) Cycling will not be permitted on the footpaths around the village. Bicycles must use the road.

4) The school will endeavour to provide cycling confidence lessons each year for children who will turn 10 or more in that year.

Riding Scooters

Students can 'scoot' to school at their parent's discretion. Scooters can use the footpaths and must cross the road at the designated crossing points.

Vehicular Traffic on School Trips

All parents who offer to provide transport on school trips will be asked to follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of the students at all times.

Parking

Parking is restricted outside the school on Edward Street between 8.30am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday. The yellow lines on the road apply during the restricted times, but the white car park spaces marked out apply outside of these hours.

We ask parents to only use the school car park when they are stopping to bring their children into the school grounds. If you only need to 'drop off' please use Treeton Place - children can walk up the path beside the school hall; or use the parking spaces on Edward Street towards the shops - children can hop out of the car onto the footpath and walk up the path beside Room 1 or along the footpath to the memorial gates entrance.

School Buses

Under a contract to the Ministry of Education, Nelson Suburban Coachlines operate two buses to convey children to and from school on five separate ‘bus runs’. Those children eligible for school transport assistance are students under 10 who live more than 3.2 kilometres from the nearest school, and students 10 and over who live more than 4.8 kilometres from the nearest school, where no suitable public transport system is available. Eligible students can be required to make their own way or be taken by parents, up to 1.6 kilometres at least, to a school bus service.

The school, through the school bus controller Mrs Sue McLaren, sets and expects a high standard of behaviour for all bus pupils. Each bus run has student bus monitors to ensure that behaviour on the bus is of the highest standard. For safety reasons students are asked not to bring scooters or skateboards on the bus. All toys, marbles, clothing, book bags etc must be kept in school bags when travelling on the bus. Inappropriate behaviour can lead to children losing their privilege of using the bus.

To register your child on a school bus run please visit the school office. Once we have confirmed a ‘pick up and drop off’ point and time with the bus driver we will record the bus run details in the student management system and your child will be added to the applicable bus roll.

After school each day your child will line up for the bus roll call as soon as the bell goes. Any children who miss this roll call will miss the bus, and need a ride home by their parents/caregivers. If they are in line waiting to board the bus then they will be marked present and will ride the bus home. If they do not turn up for the bus roll call then we will assume they have other after school arrangements.

School Donation

The Board of Trustees has set a voluntary School Donation of $30.00 per student with a maximum of $60.00 per family. This donation assists with the purchase of additional resources which fall outside of those supplied or covered by grants.

The school now has systems in place to receive online banking payments from parents for School Donations.

If you wish to make a payment online we do ask that in the reference details you include:* Your child‟s name and surname* Reason for payment, e.g. Donation

Account Number: 030751 0225833-00

School Grounds

We welcome the school grounds being used under adult supervision after school and on weekends. Please contact the school on 541-8332 if you are aware of anyone not showing care and consideration to the school amenities.

Children under 14 years old need to be supervised. Pre-schoolers need to be supervised at all times when playing on the playground structure.

School Lunches

Healthy Food Choices

We encourage you to fill your child’s lunchbox with foods that help them learn, grow and stay healthy. If you involve your children in making their own lunches they are more likely to eat them.

Wakefield School promotes healthy food choices. Foods classified as “occasional treats” are not recommended in the school setting, including: chips, pastries, large cookies, large muffins and cakes. The following items must not be included at any time:

sweets

chocolate

fruit “strings”

fruit “loops”

Fizzy drinks

Fruit juice

Flavoured milk

Fruit leather and rollups are also discouraged as these are a major source of tooth decay in children.

Water and milk are the only drinks recommended for children.

For up-to-date advice on recommended food choices and tips for preparing healthy and attractive lunches please click here to visit the 5+A Day website or call into the school office and pick up a brochure.

School Lunch Orders

Mondays- Subway - Richmond

Fridays- Chateau Rhubarbe - Wakefield cafe

Please remember:

Use the correct form 'Subway Lunch Order' or ‘Chateau Rhubarbe Lunch Order’.

Place the correct money and the order form in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and ‘lunch order’ written on the envelope.

Lunch orders must be placed in the ‘Lunch Order Box’ at the sliding window of the school office before 9am.

No change will be given.

No Late orders can be accepted.

The order forms can be collected from your child’s classroom, or click here to download the Subway order form or click here to download the Chateau Rhubarbe order form.

Please note that we cannot accept online payments for school lunches. Students can collect their individually packaged lunch at 12.30 at the main gate end of the hard court.

School Photos

Heritage Photos are usually taken at the end of Term one, with the photos being returned to school and sent home with the children, part way through Term 2.

Smoke Free School

Wakefield School is a totally smoke free school therefore the school site and all school activities are smoke free.

Students and Separation

A separation is an awkward time for all the people concerned including parents and children. Often one of the major breakdowns is around communication. It’s just too painful or stressful to have that contact and yet you are both still joint guardians of your children.

Through the school website parents are able to access all newsletters, class and syndicate notices and parent teacher interview notices. They can also email the child’s teacher directly to request a copy of their child’s report. We encourage parents to regularly visit the website to view this information.

Please pass this information on to any guardian or parent notliving in the home. Alternatively you can provide a phone number for this person to the school and we can make contact directly.

Sun Sense

The school has a Sun Sense Policy that operates in Term 1 and Term 4 of each year. All students are expected to comply with this policy.

Students must wear hats with a brim that shades the face, ears and neck (caps are not acceptable). “No Hat, Play in the Shade” rule.

Students will be discouraged from wearing sleeveless clothing (e.g. “spaghetti strap” tops are discouraged).

All staff will set an example by wearing appropriate hats when outside during the 1st and 4th terms.

All staff and students are encouraged to use sunscreen on school trips, activity days and sports events.

Parents are encouraged to apply sunscreen on their children before each school day.

School sunhats are available from the office:

$15.00 (with logo)

$ 10.00 (plain)

Sweets

Sweets and chewing gum are not permitted at school.

Swimming

Class swimming takes place towards the end of Term 4 and at the start of Term 1 each year. Teaching teams organise swimming timetables around their usual classroom programmes. To accommodate all students in the school the children usually have the opportunity to swim up to three times a week. If your child is unable to participate in class swimming at any time due to a medical condition please send a note to your child’s teacher prior to their scheduled swimming session.

During Term 1 Totara students have the opportunity to participate in the Wakefield School Swimming Championships. Qualifying swimmers may then swim in the Waimea Cluster Swimming Championships. In addition syndicates hold a ‘Swimming Carnival’ for all students to share their skills and show their progress.

During school swimming lessons goggles can be worn but must be properly fitted to the correct size by parents prior to coming to school as unfortunately teachers do not have the time to do this when supervising the class. During school swimming there will be no scuba masks allowed (e.g. the full face masks that cover the nose). Scuba masks restrict the full potential to develop correct breathing techniques in swimming strokes.

Scuba Masks, Flippers and Snorkel swimming is allowed in the Friday lunch time sessions (but be aware that the chlorine in the pool water will be very hard on the rubber of this equipment).

Toys & Personal Items

Uniform

Excursion Top

All children in Years 3 - 6 are required to have an excursion top to wear on school trips and sports events. You may also choose for your child to wear this top as part of his/her normal school clothing. An order form, with photos, sizes and prices of the tops can be found here.